Police: Man will not be charged with abduction attempt

Investigators concluded that Monday's report of the attempted abduction on a 13-year-old girl off Kings Estate Road and San Juan Drive was a misunderstanding.

"If we felt there was any inkling or hint of an abduction attempt, we would proceed with criminal charges," said St. Johns County Sheriff's Office Sgt. Robbie Gober, supervisor of persons crimes.

A man came forward after his face was displayed on a sketch during a television newscast on Tuesday. He told police he spoke with the girl, but not with the intention of abducting her.

"She was crying, it was raining, he was concerned as an adult for a child and basically was stopping to see if she needed help," Gober said.

The sheriff's office decision came after five days of speaking with witnesses and stopping at least three motorists who were driving in vans that matched the description the 13-year-old gave police.

Specifics on the girl's testimony were not released, but Gober said she was visibly shaken by the experience.

"I truly do believe she was frightened but I do not believe it was an abduction attempt in any way, shape or form," Gober said. "In general, young kids can certainly be frightened by an incident that may have been meant to help, such as somebody trying to be a good Samaritan."

But the investigation was not taken lightly, even after the man came forward, Gober said. Besides witnesses, police spoke with the family of the girl and neighbors, he said.